Time to vote and get your ballot to a drop box
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| KC Councilmember Rod Dembowski (2nd from left) and the new dropbox at the Northgate Library |
The official primary election date is this coming Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Your ballots have to be inside a drop box or in the hands of King County elections before 8pm on that date.
The elections department told me that every year they find ballot envelopes sitting on top of the drop box after 8pm. They note that the ballot was received but it is not counted. Wishful voting doesn't work.
I gave you some ideas on how to vote for judges. (See article) I followed my own advice and two of the races were easy for me. However, I couldn't decide in the other two. This is where the League of Women Voters' recorded interviews came in very handy.
I watched four interviews with four very qualified candidates and voted based on my personal feelings. You are welcome to disagree.
Turn your ballot in
Don't even consider the mail. It's far too late. Take it to a King county drop box. Any drop box in the county is fine. Here's a list of all of them. The map isn't loading right now but there is a list of every city and the address of the drop boxes.
Don't even consider the mail. It's far too late. Take it to a King county drop box. Any drop box in the county is fine. Here's a list of all of them. The map isn't loading right now but there is a list of every city and the address of the drop boxes.
Locally we have drop boxes:
- 192nd park n ride,
- Shoreline Library,
- LFP City Hall,
- Kenmore City Hall.
- Bothell Library
- UW Bothell,
- Broadview Library on Greenwood,
- Lake City Library
- Northgate Library
After a bad experience when elections couldn't read my husband's signature, we have been happy to sign up for notifications. We've already received text messages that our ballots are at the election center and that they have validated our signatures. The next text will be when they count our ballots.
--Diane Hettrick
Shoreline student named to Dean’s List at Washington University in St. Louis
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| McKelvey School of Engineering Washington University, St. Louis |
To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units.
About WashU
WashU draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The total student body is over 16,000 and about 4,500 faculty teach in nine schools.
The university offers more than 90 programs and some 1,500 courses leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.
Read more...
Back to School: The Works could use some volunteer help on August 16, 2026
The Works is the Shoreline PTA Council clothing room. Located in a room on the outside of the Shoreline Center, 18560 1st Ave NE, Shoreline 98155, it provides clothes for Shoreline students whose families need some help getting their kids ready for school.
It relies on donations and volunteers.
Read more...
Michaels is getting closer to opening in Shoreline
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| New sign at Parkwood Plaza Photo by Christine Imholt |
Retail giant Michaels leased the old JoAnn Fabrics store in Parkwood Plaza earlier this year. After making changes to the interior, in May of this year they advertised for help to unload and arrange merchandise.
Now they have a temporary sign on the shopping center property, so it can't be long.
--Diane Hettrick
August Blood Drives in Shoreline start right away on August 1, 2026
Blood supplies continue to be low around the Sound, but Shoreliners can help, starting Saturday, August 1st by donating at Uplift Climbing Gym from 10am to 4pm.
The Bloodworks Northwest mobile crew will be there, at 17229 15th Ave NE, Shoreline, WA 98155, and appointments can be made up to same-day, with walk-ups needed and welcome on a space-available basis.
Read more...
There will be five other mobile drives in Shoreline/Lake Forest Park in August:
- Monday, August 3, the bloodmobile will be in the parking lot at Lake Forest Park Town Center from 9am to 3pm.
- Friday, August 7, The Dale Turner YMCA on Aurora hosts an early-day drive, from 8am to 2pm.
- Also on Friday, August 7, the mobile crew will be at Windermere Northlake in Lake Forest Park, from 10am to 4pm.
- Monday, August 10, the bloodmobile will be outside Town & Country Market from 10am to 4pm.
- Wednesday, August 26, the drive will come to the Fircrest School on 15th Ave NE from 9am to 3pm.
The Bloodworks website also has an easy-to-use blood drive finder that shows events in nearby Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Brier, Kenmore, and northern Seattle.
People can also donate any day at Bloodworks' donor centers; the ones handiest to Shoreline are in Lynnwood, at the corner of Highway 99 and 196th, and in north Seattle at the corner of Northgate Way and Stone Ave N.
Captain Scott Ciraulo retires from Shoreline Fire after 25 years
His passion for teaching was second to none and he spent numerous years teaching "the craft" to new firefighters at the Washington State Fire Training Academy. One of his favorite topics being fire science, and understanding "the how and why" to our profession. He molded and developed countless firefighters and drivers, but his biggest passion was technical rescue.
Scott taught as an instructor for King County Technical Rescue for many years and was also a member of FEMA's Washington Task Force 1 as a Rescue Specialist and Rigger. He continued moving the needle by helping build Shoreline's rescue program and will retire as a Captain from Rescue 151.
In the years in Shoreline you responded to countless emergencies, often being relied upon to come up with solutions to our most challenging incidents. Your passion for teaching translated to firefighters working through many complex problems along side you and accomplishing the mission to save lives and protect property. While the citizens of Shoreline may never know your contribution, your brothers and sisters will never forget how you made us better.
Cap, you will be missed and we will continue to honor your legacy by continuing to learn and be better. Enjoy your well deserved retirement and time with family. You will be missed but not forgotten. It's not goodbye, it's see you later.
Three nominated for Chamber Award
The Chamber Award acknowledges a Chamber member who leads by example, takes initiative, serves the Shoreline area through action and participation, inspires others to get involved and promotes respectful and supportive communication.
Celebrating the Leaders Who Strengthen Shoreline! Our Chamber is powered by dedicated people who show up, lead with heart, and make our community stronger. This year, the nominees are:
Doris Taylor with MoonShine Wellness: The engine that never stops. Doris has taken on the Communications Chair role with grit and grace—navigating website transitions, balancing motherhood, nursing, her business, and still showing up for the Chamber. Her advocacy for securing paid support was instrumental in helping us hire staff. Doris is a catalyst for change and a voice of reason when we need it most.
Joseph Irons with Irons Brothers Construction: A humble leader who always brings positivity. Joseph helped modernize our Bylaws, re‑activated the Economic Development & Government Affairs Committee, and continues to invest in Shoreline through his company’s Rampathon donations—helping older adults safely stay in their homes. His commitment to collaboration and community-building has shaped Shoreline’s business landscape for more than 25 years.
Kevin Barrett with Success-Minded Leader: As Past President, Kevin has been an invaluable steady force. His mentorship of incoming leaders ensured a smooth transition during a critical period of growth. He also guided the evaluation and rollout of our new website—bringing diligence, insight, and a member‑first mindset to every step. His dedication to the Chamber’s mission continues to make a lasting impact.
We’re grateful for each of these leaders and the energy, care, and commitment they bring to our Chamber and community.
Come to our awards ceremony in partnership with the City of Shoreline for the Community Champion Awards! Only one week away, next Friday August 14, 2026 from 5-6pm at City Hall.
Five Acre Woods Volunteer Work Party new date and time August 8, 2026
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Five Acre Woods Volunteer Work Party
August 8, 2026 at 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
City Park "Five-Acre Woods", 18678-18998 40th Pl NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Work Party MOVED to 2nd Saturday for August! Restoration volunteers continue at your local forest park, Five Acre Woods.
This new hidden gem of a park is really coming along! Work includes removal of invasive plants like ivy, blackberry and bamboo, trail building and maintenance, and planting trees and native plants.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome, children will need adult supervision and permission. Please sign in when you arrive. Bring your own gloves & tools if you prefer, we will have some to lend as well.
New - you can buy a wristband for North City Jazz Walk at local businesses
HANDY TIP: starting now, get North City Jazz Walk wristbands at the following FIVE locations, cash or check only, during their business hours. Having a wristband lets you avoid the ticket-to-wristband exchange line on the night of the 'Walk. Just be sure to remember to bring it with you, as we'll have no other way to verify your purchase.
Locations and Hours:
Chicken Sodam
17551 15th Avenue NE in North City
Monday through Thursday: 10:30 am to 10:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to midnight
Closed on Sunday
North City Lounge
17554 15th Avenue NE in North City
Every day 9:00 am to 2:00 am
North City Bistro
1520 NE 177th Street in North City
Wednesday through Saturday 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday - Closed
North City Water District
1519 NE 177th Street in North City
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed Friday–Sunday
Sky Nursery
18528 Aurora Avenue North in Shoreline
Every day 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
No time to get wristbands in person? Buy tickets online through EventBrite – just be sure to print them out and bring to the Ticket Kiosk on the night of the event to exchange for a wristband (wristbands are faster to check in at the venues, with less chance of losing a paper ticket).
Locations and Hours:
Chicken Sodam
17551 15th Avenue NE in North City
Monday through Thursday: 10:30 am to 10:00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to midnight
Closed on Sunday
North City Lounge
17554 15th Avenue NE in North City
Every day 9:00 am to 2:00 am
North City Bistro
1520 NE 177th Street in North City
Wednesday through Saturday 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Sunday, Monday and Tuesday - Closed
North City Water District
1519 NE 177th Street in North City
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed Friday–Sunday
Sky Nursery
18528 Aurora Avenue North in Shoreline
Every day 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
No time to get wristbands in person? Buy tickets online through EventBrite – just be sure to print them out and bring to the Ticket Kiosk on the night of the event to exchange for a wristband (wristbands are faster to check in at the venues, with less chance of losing a paper ticket).
Jazz Walk is Tuesday August 11, 2026 in the North City Business District on 15th Ave NE from NE 175th to NE 180th.
State Superintendent Chris Reykdal's Statement on Sham Announcement by the Trump White House
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| State Superintendent of Public Education Chris Reykdal |
Below is State Superintendent Chris Reykdal’s statement.
OLYMPIA—July 30, 2026—Washington state law provides parents and guardians with access to their child's records in school, and our state civil rights laws are fully in compliance with federal law. Period.
For the last 15 months, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has requested—and my office has provided—tens of thousands of documents as part of ED's "investigation" into Washington's civil rights laws.
OLYMPIA—July 30, 2026—Washington state law provides parents and guardians with access to their child's records in school, and our state civil rights laws are fully in compliance with federal law. Period.
For the last 15 months, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has requested—and my office has provided—tens of thousands of documents as part of ED's "investigation" into Washington's civil rights laws.
While my office has provided every single record that ED has requested, we have not heard anything substantive from their office in months about the status of their efforts.
To the surprise of no one, the Trump White House is playing the worst kind of politics by threatening to withhold federal funds from states that don't comply with their political ideology.
In a press release today, ED stated that they are "demanding" information from Washington and California regarding state policies that govern schools' disclosure of student records to parents and families.
To the surprise of no one, the Trump White House is playing the worst kind of politics by threatening to withhold federal funds from states that don't comply with their political ideology.
In a press release today, ED stated that they are "demanding" information from Washington and California regarding state policies that govern schools' disclosure of student records to parents and families.
Today's demands are based on an expectation that we will change our state’s student protection policies to align with a case out of California that is still being litigated. As we have done throughout this process, we will supply ED with all the information they are demanding, consistent with state and federal laws.
Let me be clear: Washington state law ensures that, when parents and families request information about their child from their child's school, the school provides that information consistent with state and federal laws.
Further, Washington state law has robust protections against discrimination for public school students, which has included discrimination based on gender identity for two decades. These protections fit within the scope of what is allowed by federal law and recent court rulings on these issues.
While the Trump Administration continues their lengthy fishing expedition on the taxpayer's dime, my office will continue to uphold and enforce our state and federal laws.
Today’s media stunt by the now dismantled U.S. Department of Education is yet another reminder that they only exist at this point to pump out political and ideological propaganda.
Let me be clear: Washington state law ensures that, when parents and families request information about their child from their child's school, the school provides that information consistent with state and federal laws.
Further, Washington state law has robust protections against discrimination for public school students, which has included discrimination based on gender identity for two decades. These protections fit within the scope of what is allowed by federal law and recent court rulings on these issues.
While the Trump Administration continues their lengthy fishing expedition on the taxpayer's dime, my office will continue to uphold and enforce our state and federal laws.
Today’s media stunt by the now dismantled U.S. Department of Education is yet another reminder that they only exist at this point to pump out political and ideological propaganda.
From over here in the functioning Washington, might we suggest they demand charges against any number of persons identified in the Epstein files or those who allegedly committed abuses of the “ring boys” at the World Wrestling Entertainment company?
If the U.S. Department of Education is looking for something to do, pushing the White House to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse and assault remains an important endeavor.
If the U.S. Department of Education is looking for something to do, pushing the White House to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse and assault remains an important endeavor.
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